Preview for MBT Lion Mk.3 and the improved Mk.1B:
416 in service, manufactured from 2005 to 2012. Probably I will do some small changes to final design of Mk.3.
The designation system of HLK for vehicles : Two main letters are used, "A" =Αρχικό (Original), reffered to the first version and numbers 1,2,3 etc for each improvement. Some of these are test models or proptotypes for improved versions, although some of these could be mass produced. The letter "B" =Βελτιωμένο (Improved) mostly given to the final production model after all the test platforms. Again numbers 1,2,3 could be used, for every small improvement from Hellenic Army Base Factory or the Main Manufacturer (for heavy armor the HDV, member of BAE Systems AU since 2007). If something is succesfull, adapted to all vehicles of this type.
An example is that the "Lion Mk1B" appeared above is the Mk.1A7 test platform from 9 total, which selected for the modernization program of Mk.1 tanks.
The test vehicle started its life as Chieftain Mihr. Shir-II, one of about 200 given as offsets with the order of Challenger I back in 1983-84. As said, these tanks were part of a large Persian order in 1970's which were never delivered to Empire of Persia (my AU Iran).